Accountability

We have the power each day to make a positive difference. With that power comes a responsibility to be aware of the impact of our words and actions. A large part of being accountable means asking, “What more can I do?” Having a mindset of Accountability gives us more control over our lives, helps us learn from our mistakes, enables us to follow through on our promises, improves our outcomes and prevents us from getting stuck in the past.

It comes down to looking inside oneself and making the decision to take action – going beyond job descriptions and doing whatever it takes to bring wellness, healing and hope to all, including the underserved. Holding oneself accountable for one’s words and actions is a way of being honest and demonstrates Integrity – doing the right things in the right way for the right reason.

A tool referred to as the Accountability Ladder helps us determine our personal level of responsibility. Lower levels on the ladder are often marked by feelings of helplessness and a lack of power, while higher levels are characterized by a willingness to learn, a desire to make a difference and an honest search for personal improvement. When we are higher on the Accountability Ladder we also achieve greater results when it comes to fulfilling the promises and commitments made to those we serve.

Here are a few tips to help us be Accountable:

Get on with it – don’t exhaust time and energy thinking or worrying about things that I cannot control.

Acknowledge reality and move toward a solution I can influence.

Be curious and ask, “What more can I do to get the desired result?”

Remember that the Accountability Ladder works best when I lean it against my own house, not someone else’s house.

Be aware of when using “you” or “they” when discussing the Accountability Ladder.

Own it by considering the influence of my shadow by choosing to have a mindset of Accountability.

Look for what I can learn from the situation and think about ways to apply my learning in the future.